Jackson Gets Lit: Your Guide to The Mississippi Book Festival
If you were the kind of kid who was more interested in summer for your library’s annual reading challenge than for the days off from school, Jackson's Mississippi Book Festival is for you.
Bibliophiles’ favorite weekend is quickly approaching with the return of the Mississippi Book Festival on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event is free and open to the public, featuring panel discussions with renowned authors, independent book signings, open-air booksellers in Author’s Alley, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more. It’s a “Literary Lawn Party” you won’t want to shelve.
Location
All events will be inside or on the grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol building at 400 High Street. From I-55 take Exit 96B onto High Street and travel west — straight towards the State Capitol Building — and follow the orange festival signs to designated parking.
Official Panels & Author’s Alley
Hundreds of local and national contemporary authors will gather in the heart of Jackson to connect with readers through thoughtful (and air-conditioned) panel discussions and exchanges at the Mississippi State Capitol, nearby Galloway Church, and on the grounds. From children’s literature to fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, young adult, cookbooks, and more, there’s something for every genre of reader. On Author’s Alley, the stretch of tents along Mississippi Street, find dozens of published and independent authors available to sign and discuss their literary works during the entire length of the festival.
Booksellers & Vendors
Across from the Book Signing Tent, nearly 20 bookstores from around Mississippi and the Southeast set up shop, offering a wide range of books, including special sales, autographed first editions, collectibles, and unique merchandise. And when hunger strikes, you won't have to venture far. Alongside the Capitol, some of Jackson's favorite restaurants and food trucks gather for sweet and savory food and drinks, ensuring you stay fueled for the day.
Information, Volunteers, & Official Merchandise
Festival Guides with maps are located at the information tent (where you’ll also find Visit Jackson answering questions and handing out giveaways), and volunteers are easy to spot in themed shirts in case you have questions along the way. Purchase exclusive 2024 Mississippi Book Festival water bottles, t-shirts, posters, and stickers at the merchandise tent.
Free bottled water is available at the merchandise tent and for purchase at some food trucks.
Food and Music
Lunch break is from 1-1:30 pm. Food trucks flank both sides of the festival site, along N. West Street and N. President, offering local food choices. Grab'n'go cold foods can be found at the center of the festival, on N. Congress at Mississippi Street. There is NO ATM on site; most merchants accept credit cards, but NOT ALL so plan accordingly.
There will be food pavilions on both sides of the Capitol’s shady south lawn provide a great place to enjoy a picnic or to hang out with friends. Two cooling stations near the food pavilions on the south lawn provide a refreshing respite. Enjoy live music on the south lawn throughout the day.
Free Parking & Accessibility
Free parking is available at eight designated parking lots and two garages plus along public streets; access the parking garage of the Woolfolk Building from Lamar Street; access the parking garage of the Walter Sillers Building from President Street. The entire event is handicap accessible with shuttle cart service from parking garages
throughout the day shuttle carts circumnavigate the Capitol grounds (along Mississippi, N. West, High and President Streets), making frequent stops and always checking in at the information tent. Capitol Police will patrol the festival site as well as designated parking lots
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Annual Literary Lawn Party, Now in September
400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(769) 717-2648
Website
Mississippi Book Festival400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201